New Jersey Police Free 3-Foot Python From Car Grille in 20-Minute Rescue

Q: How did a tropical python end up secretly hitchhiking inside a New Jersey woman's car grille?

No one knows for sure. Authorities said the 3-foot ball python was found wedged in the front grille after Aiyana Hudson returned home from a wheel alignment in Franklin Township, New Jersey, but neither police nor animal control could determine when or where it got into the car. The most likely explanation is that the snake was an escaped or abandoned pet. Animal control later identified it as a ball python, a non-native tropical species popular in the pet trade and not native to New Jersey. Township officials used the case to warn that releasing exotic pets into the wild is illegal and can endanger local wildlife and pets, which suggests they see abandonment as a plausible possibility. It is also possible the snake crawled into the vehicle while it was parked, seeking a dark, enclosed space. Snakes often hide in tight, warm areas, and a car’s front grille and engine compartment can provide that kind of shelter. Because Hudson had just been to a repair shop, it is conceivable the python entered the vehicle there or at some earlier stop, then remained hidden until she got home. What is established is that the snake survived the ride lodged in the grille, officers dismantled part of the bumper to free it, and it was taken unharmed to the Franklin Township Animal Shelter, where it was expected to be made available for adoption.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 23

Franklin Township police removed a 3-foot ball python from a woman's car grille after dismantling parts of the front end, including the bumper.
The Sept. 14 rescue began when Aiyana Hudson returned from a wheel alignment, spotted the snake wedged in the grille and called police for help.
Animal control initially declined because it handles domesticated animals, leaving officers to inspect the vehicle and untangle the reptile themselves.
The python was unharmed and taken to the Franklin Township Animal Shelter; officials said how it got into the grille remains unclear.
Public Safety Director Lloyd Fredericks used the incident to warn that releasing exotic pets is illegal and can threaten native wildlife and household pets.